Syrian and Russian Paratroopers Conduct Joint Drill

A banner, depicting Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reading "Justice Prevails", is displayed along a highway in the Syrian capital Damascus, Mar. 8, 2022. (AFP)
A banner, depicting Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reading "Justice Prevails", is displayed along a highway in the Syrian capital Damascus, Mar. 8, 2022. (AFP)
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Syrian and Russian Paratroopers Conduct Joint Drill

A banner, depicting Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reading "Justice Prevails", is displayed along a highway in the Syrian capital Damascus, Mar. 8, 2022. (AFP)
A banner, depicting Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reading "Justice Prevails", is displayed along a highway in the Syrian capital Damascus, Mar. 8, 2022. (AFP)

Hundreds of Syrian paratroopers took part in a joint drill with their Russian counterparts in the war-torn country in the second joint maneuver this month, state media reported.

The agency did not give further details in its Saturday night report about the drill or say where they took place. It said the aim was to train Syrian paratroopers how to respond in varied circumstances.

Russia is a main backer of President Bashar Assad and has a broad presence in Syria where an 11-year conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced half the country’s pre-war population.

Russia became involved militarily in Syria in September 2015 helping to tip the balance of power in favor of Assad’s forces.

Earlier this month, the Syrian and Russian air forces conducted drills over different parts of the country, including on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Four months ago, the two countries conducted a drill a week before Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. In mid-February, the Russian military deployed long-range nuclear-capable bombers and fighter jets carrying state-of-the-art hypersonic missiles to Syria for massive naval drills in the Mediterranean Sea.



Israeli Woman Killed by Hezbollah Rocket Attack, 10 Wounded

Israeli security inspect damages caused by debris from an intercepted missile, in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
Israeli security inspect damages caused by debris from an intercepted missile, in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
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Israeli Woman Killed by Hezbollah Rocket Attack, 10 Wounded

Israeli security inspect damages caused by debris from an intercepted missile, in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
Israeli security inspect damages caused by debris from an intercepted missile, in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 November 2024. (EPA)

Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue services said one woman was killed and 10 wounded in a Hezbollah rocket attack that hit northern Israel.

According to paramedics who arrived at the scene, one woman was killed instantly and 10 others were injured after a rocket struck a four-story building the northern Israeli city of Shfaram.

The Israeli military said the Lebanese group Hezbollah had launched more than 100 projectiles toward Israel on Monday.

Israeli medical officials also said at least five people in central Israel have been wounded by shrapnel after a missile launched from Lebanon was intercepted.

The missile triggered air raid sirens in the Tel Aviv area before it was shot down. But authorities said shrapnel from the interception hit several people on the ground.

The Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated five people for injuries. Victims were taken to Beilinson Hospital, where one woman was reported in serious condition.

Hezbollah began launching missiles, rockets and drones at Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza. Israel stepped up their attack against Hezbollah in mid-September.

More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli fire — 80% of them in the past eight weeks — according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. In Israel, 77 people, including 31 soldiers, have been killed by Hezbollah.